7 Household Items That Should Never Be Flushed Down the Toilet
Toilets are a typical fixture in the home that we use daily. The temptation is to consider its utility as a given, but it’s crucial to remember that it’s a toilet, not a garbage can. There are certain items that shouldn’t to be flushed into the drain because they can cause obstruction from the pipes or damage for sewer drains.
Key Takeaways
- Be careful not to flush certain items into the toilet because they could block the drain or damages to the pipes.
- Seven household items that you should never to flush down the toilet are:
- Baby wipes
- Condoms
- Cooking grease and oil
- Female hygiene products (tampons and sanitary pads)
- Medications
- Dental floss
- Paper towels
- The act of flushing any of these items can result in blocked drains or damaged sewer pipelines in your home’s plumbing system, which will result in an unforetold cost to you.
- Blocked Drains Plumbers Sydney offers unblocking blocked drains Drain clearing, CCTV drain inspection, and pipe relining.
There are 7 household things that you shouldn’t flush down the toilet.
1. Baby wipes
Baby wipes can be convenient however they don’t disintegrate like toilet paper, and they can block pipes. Throw them away in the garbage instead.
2. Condoms
Toilet paper that contains condoms can lead to blockages in both your plumbing system and wastewater treatment facilities.
3. Food preparation grease and oil
Oil and grease should be removed from the container, then thrown in the garbage bin, as they’ll harden, causing obstructions in your drains, or pipes.
4. Feminine hygiene products
Tampons and sanitary pad are usually advertised by their name as "flushable, " but flushing them will only lead to problems later when they mix with other things to cause a terrible obstruction.
5. Medications
Medications should never be flushed through the toilet, as they can be a source of contamination for water sources.
6. Dental floss
Dental floss is designed to be tough so it won’t be able to break when wet, which can lead to possible blockages in your pipes.
7. Paper towels
In contrast to toilet paper, paper towels have a thicker weave which helps them to deteriorate rapidly once they are wet, meaning they can quickly cause blockages.
The bottom line is that flushing any of these seven items could result in blocked drains or damaged pipelines within the plumbing system of your home, which will incur a huge expense to the homeowner. Be mindful of what you flush down the toilet.
| Item | Reason for not Flushing |
|---|---|
| Baby wipes | Do not break down like toilet paper and can clog your plumbing system. Dispose of them in the trash instead. |
| Condoms | Leads to blockages both at home’s plumbing and treatment plants. |
| Cooking grease and oil | Will harden and cause blockages in your drains or pipes. |
| Feminine hygiene products | Combining with other items creates a nasty clog despite being marketed as "flushable". |
| Medications | Can contaminate our water sources. |
| Dental floss | Designed to be strong, leading to potential blockages in pipes. |
| Paper towels | Less likely to deteriorate quickly once wet, easily causing blockages unlike with toilet paper. |
Common Questions & Answers
Are feminine hygiene products flushed in the bathroom causing damage? actually harm my pipes?
Yes. The products used to clean your female hygiene don’t disintegrate in water, and could cause blockages in your sewer or pipes.
Are flushable wipes actually flushable?
There is no need to worry, most "flushable" wipes do not necessarily break down quickly and could cause clogs to your pipes.
Do I have to use baby wipes to flush them down the toilet?
No. Baby wipes should never be flushed into the toilet as they do not dissolve easily and could cause obstructions.
Do paper towels need to be used to flush?
No. Paper towels are thicker than toilet paper, and they aren’t broken down as quickly, causing the possibility of clogging the plumbing system.
What about medications? Can I flush those down the toilet?
No. Medications can contaminate our waterways. It’s essential to dispose of them in a safe manner by taking them to a designated drop-off point.
If you find yourself dealing with blockage of your drain Do not delay in calling our professional plumbing service for assistance at Blocked Drains Plumbers Sydney . We offer unblocking blocked drains and drain clearing CCTV drain inspection, and pipe relining services to ensure that your home is not impacted by issues with drainage. Contact us today to set up an appointment.
Additional Information
- The Dangers of Using Chemical Drain Unblockers
- Plumbers' Secrets for Clearing Clogged Drains: An In-Depth Guide
- Say Goodbye to Clogged Pipes: Efficient Plumbing Remedies
- How CCTV Drain Inspection Helps in Saving Time and Money on Plumbing Repairs?
- The Importance of CCTV Drain Inspections in Preventing Expensive Property Damage
- Natural Methods for Keeping Your Shower Drain Free of Blockages
- The Importance of Professional Drain Cleaning for Your Family's Health and Safety
- Why CCTV Drain Inspections Should Be Part of Your Regular Maintenance Routine
- Tips on Keeping Your Drains Clear and Free From Blockages
- Effortless Ways to Unclog a Blocked Drain: Tips and Tricks
